This page explains the requirements you must meet to come to the UK as the parent of a child in the UK.

To qualify under this route you must be the parent of a child who is:

• under the age of 18 on the date you apply;
• living in the UK; and
• a British citizen or settled in the UK.

Can I apply?

You can apply under this route if:

• you have sole responsibility for the child or the child normally lives with you and not their other parent; or
• if the parent or carer that the child normally lives with is a British citizen or settled in the UK, but is not your partner, and you do not qualify for entry clearance as a partner.

You must provide evidence that you either have sole responsibility for or access rights to the child or that you are taking, and intend to continue to take, an active role in the child's upbringing. The documents you need to provide are listed on the application form.

Applying outside the UK

If you want to enter the UK in this route you must:

• be outside the UK;
• have made a valid application for entry clearance as a parent;
• be over the age of 18;
• meet the suitability requirement;
• be able to maintain and accommodate yourself without relying on public funds; and
• meet the English language requirement.

Applying inside the UK

If you are already in the UK as a parent you can apply to stay in the UK under this category. You can also join this category from within the UK , as long as you:

• are not here as a visitor;
• were not granted permission to stay here for less than 6 months; and
• are not here on temporary admission.

If you want to stay here in this route you must:

• be in the UK;
• have made a valid application for leave to remain as a parent;
• meet the suitability requirement;
• not be in the UK breach of the Immigration Rules (although you can overlook a period where you remained here after your permission to stay ended if it is less than 28 days);
• provide specified evidence that you can maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without relying on public funds; and
• meet the English language requirement.

If your child has turned 18 since you were first granted entry clearance or leave to remain, you must show that he or she has not formed their own family unit or is leading an independent life.

If you meet all of these requirements you will be given permission to stay for 30 months. At the end of that time, if you still meet the requirements you can apply to stay for another 30 months. After 5 years in this category you can apply for settlement if you meet the requirements.

If you do not meet all the requirements you may be given permission to stay here on the basis of your private or family life. If you qualify on that basis you will have to be in the UK for 10 years before you can apply for settlement.